A/HRC/42/27 I. Introduction 1. Pursuant to its resolution 38/19 of 6 July 2018, on the incompatibility between democracy and racism, on 2 April 2019 the Human Rights Council convened a panel discussion that addressed the challenge of the incompatibility between racism and the central principles and values of democracy. The panel shared concerns about the rise of racism and racial discrimination in the political and public spheres, including the marginalization of members of society such as migrants, people of African descent, indigenous peoples and minorities. The discussion also focused on the necessity of joint efforts in countering all expressions of racism and xenophobia, including in tackling offline and online hate speech. It also touched upon the crucial role of education and intercultural and interreligious dialogue in promoting tolerance and combating racism. 2. The panel discussion was chaired by the President of the Human Rights Council. The Director of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) delivered the opening address. The panel discussion was moderated by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva. The panellists were Maria Angelica Iguaracema Rodrigues da Costa, International Adviser at the Ministry of Women, Family and Human Rights of Brazil; Valery Engel, Professor and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Analysis of the Radical Right, President of the European Centre for Democracy Development in Latvia and Director of the Institute of Ethnic Policy and Inter-ethnic Studies in the Russian Federation and Adolphe Sururu, Professor at the University of Burundi, Director and Founder of the Peace Education and Conflict Management Training Centre and National Coordinator of the Transnational Foundation for Peace and Future Research. II. Opening statement 3. In her opening statement, the Director of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division stated that racism undermined democracy not only for those left out through discrimination, but for everyone. Legislation and practices based on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, were incompatible with human rights and transparent and accountable governance. She expressed concern about the resurgence of violent attacks motivated by racism, xenophobia and related intolerance, alongside persistent and profound discrimination against numerous groups. She further emphasized the alarming trend whereby minorities were marginalized or excluded and their participation in society diminished. 4. The Director said that freedom of speech and expression were the cornerstone of every pluralistic and inclusive society. They were threshold issues empowering individuals to realize all other rights. At the same time, examples showed that freedom of speech could be used as a vehicle for incitement to violent and hateful action. In that regard she noted that political platforms and organizations based on racism, xenophobia or doctrines of racial superiority and related discrimination undermined the foundational values of democracy. 5. The Director emphasized that political parties, platforms and organizations must lead by example. They must take decisive action against racist discourse. They should develop robust internal disciplinary measures against public statements and actions that encourage or incite racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. 6. Where rights were violated, effective judicial protection and remedies for victims of racial discrimination were fundamental. States had the obligation to duly prosecute and sanction those responsible for racist and xenophobic violence. However, prosecuting criminal conduct associated with racial, national, ethnic hatred or violence would not be sufficient to combat violent extremism and racism. With a view to preventing violence and fostering democratic values and respect for human rights, relevant stakeholders and society at large must engage earlier to combat the environments in which hate could flourish, including by stepping up investment in education and public awareness-raising. 2